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Getting a 3D printer education may be a common procedure in schools before the end of the decade, even though the practical use of them in the classroom may come first. In many ways, using a 3D printer to help learn about the world around them can help kids gain a basic understanding on how 3D printers work and their ingenious mechanics.

But what school subjects would benefit from 3D printers in the public and private school system? These printers could be used in the earliest grades and have a real impact once kids reach high school.

Science Classes

A 3D printer in a science class can bring learning to a level it's never been before, mainly because of the ability to print tactile items. In biology class, you could print out 3D representations of internal organs taken from scans. These could be a human heart or even a human brain. And those organs can be from the animal kingdom as well to broaden their learning horizons.

In a chemistry class, molecules can actually be printed out for tactile reference. Yes, it's close to the stuff of sci-fi and creates a profound shift from what a classroom looked like just a decade ago.

Automotive Classes

In high school, automotive repair classes are sometimes allowed as an elective. Some people take those courses in community colleges as well. If a 3D printer was available in those classes, they could print out completely realized automotive parts and learn about how they're put together. Those auto parts can even be modified by using CAD software beforehand.

Geography Classes

3D printers already help us look at the world differently. However, printing out topography can literally make us look at the world from a perspective never before available. In a geography class, a printer can print a particular land mass taken directly from a picture or scan. Students could literally hold a real-life volcano or a map of other topography in the palm of their hands. Having a tactile benefit like that gives our next generation a perspective on the world like no other.

Art Classes

While the above uses can help kids learn about the world around them, kids can exert their creativity through 3D printing in an art class. Learning with basic CAD software, they can create their own artwork and learn the process of how they're printed layer by layer. That artwork can also be made into something useful like a piece of jewelry or a household item.

Kids could still learn about the world in the same art class. 3D printers are able to print out scans of famous artwork so kids can hold and inspect a world famous sculpture as another amazing tactile learning session.